Netflix Adapting Lemony Snicket's 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' Into TV Show

Courtesy of Harper Collins

'Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events'

Author Daniel Handler will executive produce

Netflix is adapting popular book series A Series of Unfortunate Events into an original series.

The streaming service has acquired the rights to produce a new series based on the 13 best-selling novels published from 1999 to 2006 and written by Lemony Snicket,the pen name of author Daniel Handler.

Paramount Television, the TV arm of Paramount — the studio behind the 2004 feature that starred Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep and Jude Law — will produce the series in association with Netflix. Handler will serve as an executive producer.

A Series of Unfortunate Events tells the tale of orphaned children Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire at the hands of the villainous Count Olaf, as they face trials and tribulations, misfortunes and an evil uncle in search of their fortune, all in their quest to uncover the secret of their parents' death. More than 65 million copies have been sold in the series, which has been translated into 43 languages and spawned board games, card games, video games and albums.

“On the search for fantastic material that appeals to both parents and kids, the first stop for generations of readers is A Series of Unfortunate Events. We are proud to start work on a series for a global audience that already loves the books," said Cindy Holland, vp original content for Netflix. “The world created by Lemony Snicket is unique, darkly funny, and relatable. We can’t wait to bring it to life for Netflix members.”

“I can’t believe it,” Snicket said from an undisclosed location. "After years of providing top-quality entertainment on demand, Netflix is risking its reputation and its success by associating itself with my dismaying and upsetting books."

Netflix has been ramping up its scripted portfolio as of late, recently ordering Madagascar spinoff All Hail King Julien and Richie Rich from AwesomenessTV. Upcoming series hitting the service over the next several months include its ambitious team-up with Marvel (Daredevil will be the first to premiere), Marco Polo and Bloodline, among others.

A Series of Unfortunate Events is just the latest property to be adapted into a series, a move that has become increasingly commonplace as networks and creatives seek titles with established fan bases in an ever-evolving TV landscape. Other titles getting the adaptation treatment include Archie, In the Heat of the Night, Twin Peaks andBig.

Handler is repped by ICM Partners and Charlotte Sheedy. ICM Partners brokered the deal for the rights. Handler's latest book, Shouldn't You Be in School?, tells the story of Snicket's own childhood exploits and his next adult novel is We Are Pirates.